Betfair Chase betting preview

The first Grade One event of the British national hunt season arrives at Haydock Park this Saturday where all eyes will be on Kauto Star as he bids for a fourth victory in the Betfair Chase, writes Mikey Mumford. The 11-year-old looked slightly past his best last year but still ran with credit in the Gold Cup behind another runner in the field – Long Run. Nicky Henderson’s King George and Gold Cup winner looks as if he will take all the beating in the race over 3 miles. New customers to Sky Bet get a completely free £10 bet on this race – no deposit required!

Betfair Chase odds

Diamond Harry Declared a non-runner for the Charlie Hall Chase but won the Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase on his last outing and has amassed 10 wins out of his 13 career runs. Goes on a contrasting grounds and will have no problem with the trip but slight worry is lack of a recent run and trainer not in the best of form of late; contender nevertheless.

Kauto Star All conquering horse who has showed signs of the years catching up with him last season. Reportedly never travelling at Punchestown in May when pulled up and well beaten by Long Run in two runs prior to that. Definitely vulnerable to an improver but has the ability and no surprise to see him make a fist of things and be thereabouts at the finish.

Long Run Impressive King George and Gold Cup winner and there should be more to come from him. Done most of his winning on good to soft ground but should take all the beating if transferring same form from last year and has the beating of a lot of these rivals; leading candidate.

Nacarat Likes to make the running but weakened quite badly in the Charlie Hall and soon headed the time before at Punchestown. Has the ability to make all but was a well beaten fourth in this same race last year and has work to do in light of recent form. Distance no problem but more place claims than win purposes.

Pure Faith Sterling effort in defeat at Aintree where he pushed Albertas Run al lthe way but this is another step up in class. He has been competing in Grade 2 events and yet to convince he can cut it at this level; probably best watched.

Rubi Light Soft ground many have caught him out at Gowran Park latest and done most of his winning on heavy ground. That would be a worry and the fact he has yet to race beyond 2m5f is another reason to take him on.

Time For Rupert Everything looked in place for a big run at the festival but a distant fifth failed to support the form he had shown on paper. He lines up against Weird Al again who beat him pretty comfortably in the Charlie Hall in receipt of three pounds so looks a little up against it. Claims though if putting best foot forward.

Weird Al Good winner at Wetherby last time but has been returned quickly before to produce another winning display. This represents another step up in class but he couldn’t be in better shape and a repeat of his last run should put him in the mixer.

A fascinating renewal and while it would be fitting for Kauto Star to strike again in this race, LONG RUN can prove too much for him again. Nicky Henderson’s runner has firmly established himself as the leading chaser and he may be difficult to stop in this vain of form. Weird Al can run well again with a reproduction of his latest effort. [Mikey Mumford]

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